Rifle Scopes Overtightening Scope Mount

[henryfrank333]

So... I messed up... I don't know how badly yet which is why I have come here.

The first time I tightened down my base, I didn't realize that the Borka tool indicated tightness on the other side of its arm. Instead of tightening my set screws to 24, I tightened them to 57 in-lbs. I had locktite on the screws and only noticed my error after 30 minutes. I unscrewed them and even though they weren't very smooth coming out as going in, I managed to get them out and looking at the screws it doesn't seem like anything is stripped, at least not very severely.

I remounted and tightened to 24 in-lbs w/locktite. My question is, did I seriously mess something up? The base seemed tight in the end, but I don't know if I caused some serious damage I can't see that will cause the base to come loose. Thoughts?

(Also, yes, I am apparently an idiot and didn't read the instructions).

Mount is a Steel Nightforce base.
Rifle is Remington 700 AAC-SD in .308

 

[SpinDrift338]

If nothing stripped I'd say you're probably just fine, as long as 24in/lb was snug the second time. If you're really worried, the easiest fix would be to have a good rifle smith open the 6/48 screw holes to the #8 magnum screw holes. Then call seekins precision or whoever you like, and ask for a 700 SA 20moa with the #8 screws.

 

[Hairball]

The base should be good as the threads you describe are still clean, now if you had done this with scope rings, you may have had an issue.

 

[Temp9]

You'll be fine. Steel threads are pretty rugged. Just don't try that stunt on a small aluminum thread.

 

[Pinecone]

The first concern is stripping threads.

But another big concern is that you stretched the screws and they now have micro fractures. Over time and stress, they will break. Learned this on my race car when a wheel fell off.

I would replace the screws. Cheap insurance.